Alec Baldwin: Please Don't Go See My New Movie

Alec Baldwin just can't catch a break lately. Monika told you about the status of his directorial debut back in January and now we're finally starting to hear more about its release. Trouble is, Mr. Baldwin doesn't want you to see the thing! In addition to directing, Baldwin produced and starred in the film, an update of The Devil and Daniel Webster. The movie wrapped in 2001, and has experienced nothing but problems since. It will finally be released this Friday, and oh dear, that's -- dun dun duh! -- Friday the 13th! If you're trying to find the film at your local multiplex, good luck. It is only being released in six cities (Las Vegas, Rochester, Fort Myers, Columbus, Albuquerque and Santa Fe), and you'll have to look for it under its new title: Shortcut to Happiness. Oh, and Baldwin's name won't even be listed as director or producer. It has been removed and replaced with an "Alan Smithee" -- style fake name -- Harry Kirkpatrick.

Despite Baldwin's many talents and a solid cast that includes Anthony Hopkins as Daniel Webster, Jennifer Love Hewitt as The Devil (?), Kim Cattrall, Dan Aykroyd and Jason Patric, the film has been called "one of the greatest train wrecks of all time." Where did it all go wrong? Apparently producers didn't like the more serious cut Baldwin submitted, and they recut the film into a pure comedy. Baldwin was naturally upset. To make matters worse, two of the films investors became entangled in legal woes after they were investigated for bank fraud. On top of all that, one of Baldwin's producing partners sued him for her cut. A source close to Baldwin tells the New York Post: "Alec doesn't recommend unrecognizable films to his fans. This is not an Alec Baldwin film. He's in the movie but he has nothing to do with it. His name was taken off as producer and director six years ago, but he couldn't get it taken off as an actor." So, I have to ask ... if any of you live in one of the six cities listed above and don't mind taking one for the team -- would you check it out and tell us if it's as bad as it sounds?